Wilkes-Barre

Group from Penn State Wilkes-Barre turns day off into day 'on'

Penn State Wilkes-Barre students may have had a day off from classes on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but for a group of students, faculty and staff from Penn State's northeast regional campuses, the day off became a day "on."

On Monday, Jan. 16, a group of Penn State Wilkes-Barre students and staff traveled to Penn State Schuylkill for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day “On” Community Service Event.

The national Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service was started by former Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Harris Wofford and Atlanta Congressman John Lewis, who co-authored the King Holiday and Service Act. The federal legislation challenges Americans to transform the King Holiday into a day of citizen action and volunteer service in honor of Dr. King. The federal legislation was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on Aug. 23, 1994.

This year’s program included a presentation by volunteer Natasha Bliss from the Invisible Children in San Diego, live music performed by Penn State students, and three hours of volunteer work in a variety of locations throughout the Schuylkill County area. Penn State Wilkes-Barre students and staff volunteered at the St. John’s Church of Christ Food Pantry, located in Orwigsburg, Pa.

Penn State Wilkes-Barre staff, faculty, and students with St. John's Food Pantry volunteers. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

Last Updated February 21, 2012

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